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www.wbjournal.com Worcester Business Journal Business Profiles 2017 13 as e-statements and online bill pay. Members can also apply for loans online with the promise of quick credit decisions. The mobile app, SCU 2 GO, enables members to access their accounts at any time from any place. "Members can transfer funds, pay bills, check their account balance and deposit checks. The mobile app has all the capabilities of big banks," Alexander says. Some exciting new products are now available to SCU members, Alexander reports. Kasasa Cash® Checking, a rewards-based checking account, pays 2 percent interest each month on balances up to $25,000 and requires no monthly fee. Additionally, members who use the service receive several free perks, including online banking and bill pay; mobile banking; e-statements; and debit/ATM cards. Members can link their savings accounts to Kasasa, an easy and convenient way to build savings. "Smart consumers expect more from their financial institutions these days," Alexander points out. "This is one way to offer members more." SCU branches are in the "discovery process" during the rebranding, according to Alexander. "We would like our branches to be a place for community to gather. We would like to use the space at our branches for financial literacy programs. We would also like to install self-serve kiosks and demonstration tools to help members use our online services," she says. "We want to make members more comfortable, but realize that change does not hap - pen overnight. We take an investment like this very seriously and will explore how to make this happen." Community Involvement While SCU is fully committed to providing the best financial products for its members, it is also committed to the greater community. Lismarie Collazo, Director of Marketing and Community Outreach, reports that SCU is actively involved with many local organizations, including the Tri-Community YMCA, the Center of Hope, Central Mass South Chamber of Commerce, Latin American Business Organization (LABO), the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC), Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) and Quinsigamond Community College (QCC). "We also take part in the United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge and Charlton campaign with 100 percent participation," she says, not- ing that the United Way recently bestowed its Gold Award on the institution. "Several employees participate in the Day of Caring and also help out with organiza- tions the United Way supports." SCU firmly believes in the power of financial educa- tion as demonstrated by its partnership with Bay Path Vocational Regional Technical High School. "For the last two years, we have conducted a Reality Fair, in conjunc- tion with other vendors, at the school. The senior class, about 250 students, is assigned a 'job' and given a monthly income," says Collazo. The students select how they will spend their income on the basic necessities, with some "temptations," such as travel opportunities or a night out on the town, to challenge their sense of fiscal responsibility. "This fair helps engage the students regarding life in the real world." Alexander emphasizes that Southbridge Credit Union is determined to "become the primary financial institu- tion for those we serve." As competition from online banking and brick and mortar institutions down the street continues to grow, SCU promises to continue offering products and services that meet the needs of existing members and attract new ones. "We will con- tinue to be the organization that supports the commu- nity. We will strike a balance between the same credit union that has been here for generations and the new rebrand. This will get us back to basics, but refreshed for the future." n